caanondale synapse 2013 or specialized roubaix sl4

silver2789
silver2789 Posts: 36
edited September 2013 in Road general
im in the market for a new bike as mine has seen better days. I currently own a specialized Roubaix sl3 at while it is a cracking bike, a lot of the times it just feels sluggish. I have been looking at 2 bikes and just wondering what peoples thoughts and opinions are. the 2 i'm interested in are the Roubaix sl4 or the cannondale synape with sram22

im still looking at the more long distance/endurance style of bike but just wanting to upgrade from my sl3 to something slightly faster yet still comfortable for those long days. im edging toward the cannondale as i'm not sure if there is any real noticeable difference between the sl3 and sl4. just wondering what everyones thoughts are between the two in terms of speed and comfort, comments would be greatly appreciated

Comments

  • diy
    diy Posts: 6,473
    Personally I'd go for the cannondale, but I don't think there will be any real difference between your current bike and either of the two you are looking at.

    Depending on size, this 2012 model looks like a decent deal at 2.7k, not sure it was ever a 5k bike IMO.

    http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p431 ... A-ACE-2012
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  • silver2789
    silver2789 Posts: 36
    I've also been looking at giants range, I've never owned a giant, are they as good
  • declan1
    declan1 Posts: 2,470
    I would be getting a Trek Domane if I were you. I know someone who has one (the carbon frame with Tiagra, not a high end one) and he raves about how ridiculously comfortable it is. He also has a Madone and says the Domane doesn't feel any slower.

    Road - Dolan Preffisio
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    I have no idea what's going on here.
  • ricky1980
    ricky1980 Posts: 891
    i have been looking at these two bikes too, synapse vs roubaix...just wondering if any of these "touring" bike frames are sold as framesets?

    I don't particularly want a whole bike as I will simply swap out the frame since i got red/force groupo on my current one.

    Ta
    Road - Cannondale CAAD 8 - 7.8kg
    Road - Chinese Carbon Diablo - 6.4kg
  • silver2789
    silver2789 Posts: 36
    been looking at the supersix evo hi-mod, it gets great reviews for both comfort and speed, has anyone else got any experiences with these or possibly gone from a synapse to supersix or vice versa who can offer any opinions
  • chanjy
    chanjy Posts: 200
    TBH the frame is not the reason your Roubaix SL3 feels sluggish :P

    Is it properly cleaned and maintained? All the bearings checked? Maybe it's worth upgrading the wheels if you haven't done already?

    By all means buy one if it takes your fancy, but don't imagine for a second that a Supersix Evo Hi Mid will make you a better cyclist.
  • unixnerd
    unixnerd Posts: 2,864
    I bought an SL3 expert (Ultegra, DA was sold out!) last year. One of the first things I did was to swap the DT-Axis wheels for my existing Pro-Lite Braccianos and it certainly made the bike feel more responsive. No matter what you buy it's unlikely to come with really nice wheels so I'd invest in something like that before changing the bike.
    http://www.strathspey.co.uk - Quality Binoculars at a Sensible Price.
    Specialized Roubaix SL3 Expert 2012, Cannondale CAAD5,
    Marin Mount Vision (1997), Edinburgh Country tourer, 3 cats!
  • silver2789
    silver2789 Posts: 36
    I still have the stock axis 3 wheels on and was thinking of some new rims, so many to choose from though, I've been looking at the ksyrium elite wheels, fulcrum racing 3 or possibly 1 and dura ace wheels seem to get good reviews also, what do you guys reckon.
  • unixnerd
    unixnerd Posts: 2,864
    If I were in the market I'd take these while they're on sale:
    http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-t ... himwhfr385
    http://www.strathspey.co.uk - Quality Binoculars at a Sensible Price.
    Specialized Roubaix SL3 Expert 2012, Cannondale CAAD5,
    Marin Mount Vision (1997), Edinburgh Country tourer, 3 cats!
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Don't go spending a shedload of cash and expecting to get a faster bike! What you have already is perfectly adequate. Different wheels and tyres could make it seem a bit livelier especially up hill though.
  • silver2789
    silver2789 Posts: 36
    went for the fulcrum 3's and what a difference, I stripped the bike down to give it a good clean, I replaced the gear/brake cables and at the same time fitted these wheels. It was like riding a new bike, I didn't realise how much impact a decent set of wheels can make.
  • johnny25
    johnny25 Posts: 344
    silver2789 wrote:
    went for the fulcrum 3's and what a difference, I stripped the bike down to give it a good clean, I replaced the gear/brake cables and at the same time fitted these wheels. It was like riding a new bike, I didn't realise how much impact a decent set of wheels can make.

    +1 for the Fulcrum Racing 3's.

    I put them on my Cannondale last month and noticed a huge difference over the stock Mavics. Highly recommend a wheel upgrade first, before you decide to buy a new bike. Tyres also make a big difference too, as I'm sure you already know.

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